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Once-defunct publisher 3D Realms has re-opened its doors, releasing a 32-game compilation and promising a slate of upcoming releases from a newly-assembled staff.

The 3D Realms Anthology, available for $19.99 from the publisher's website, collects Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior, Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy, Wolfenstein 3D, Rise of the Triad: Dark War, and other classic PC games in a DRM-free package. Many of the company's past works -- including Alien Carnage, Major Stryker, and Stargunner -- are also available as free downloads.

3D Realms shed its former staff in 2008, but retained its rights to Duke Nukem and other landmark PC franchises. Rise of the Triad developer Interceptor Entertainment acquired label owner Apogee Software earlier this year, and now controls all associated IP and branding.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeduke-nukemduke-nukem-3dinterceptor-entertainmentpcThu, 23 Oct 2014 22:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/27/3d-realms-responds-to-gearbox-claims-it-owns-duke-nukem-tradema/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/27/3d-realms-responds-to-gearbox-claims-it-owns-duke-nukem-tradema/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/27/3d-realms-responds-to-gearbox-claims-it-owns-duke-nukem-tradema/#comments
3D Realms isn't backing down from its most recent legal dispute with Gearbox, after the studio asserted it has the rights to develop its Duke Nukem game, and more than that, it has the sole rights to the Duke Nukem trademark.

3D Realms filed its response to Gearbox last week, and the now Interceptor-owned studio provided Polygon with the following statement explaining its position:

"On March 17, 2014, 3D Realms filed its answer to the complaint by Gearbox Software in Dallas, Texas. 3DR denies all allegations set forth in the complaint. In its answer, 3DR has submitted evidence showing that Gearbox at no point intended to enter into good faith negotiations but instead sought to force former owners, Scott Miller and George Broussard, to improperly surrender what rightfully belonged to 3DR.

"It is our position that 3DR retains the right to develop the tentatively titled "Duke Nukem Survivor" game for specific platforms. This game was previously licensed for development to Interceptor Entertainment. Furthermore, it is our position that the Trademark for "Duke Nukem" was never assigned to Gearbox, but remains the sole property of 3DR."

A spokesperson for Interceptor Entertainment explained "Duke Nukem Survivor" is the tentative title for Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction. Interceptor provided its own statement to Polygon, adding that "It's unfortunate that Gearbox has shown no intention of finding a peaceful solution with us. We will however continue to work towards a solution."

Last month's legal action comes five months after 3D Realms and Gearbox's last dispute. 3D Realms filed a lawsuit against Gearbox in June 2013 over unpaid royalties from Duke Nukem Forever, only to withdraw it three months later after reviewing the evidence.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeedisputeduke-nukemduke-nukem-mass-destructionduke-nukem-survivorgearboxinterceptor-entertainmentlegalThu, 27 Mar 2014 08:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/02/3d-realms-acquired-by-rise-of-the-triad-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/02/3d-realms-acquired-by-rise-of-the-triad-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/02/3d-realms-acquired-by-rise-of-the-triad-developer/#comments
Interceptor Entertainment, developer of the 2013 Rise of the Triad reboot, has acquired Apogee Software, who in turn owns the 3D Realms brand and formerly owned the Duke Nukem IP. The news was first reported by Danish newspaper Borsen, and confirmed on Twitter by Interceptor CEO Frederik Schreiber.

Apogee/3D Realms recently became embroiled in a legal battle with Gearbox Software, the current owners of Duke. It's not clear how the acquisition will impact the ongoing legal battle, but Schreiber noted that Interceptor will have an official statement tomorrow.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsacquisitionapogeeduke-nukemduke-nukem-forevergearboxgearbox-softwareinterceptorinterceptor-entertainmentlawsuitSun, 02 Mar 2014 15:20:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/rise-of-the-triad-out-this-summer-heres-what-youll-need-to-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/rise-of-the-triad-out-this-summer-heres-what-youll-need-to-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/rise-of-the-triad-out-this-summer-heres-what-youll-need-to-pl/#comments
The release window for Apogee Software and Interceptor Entertainment's revival of Rise of the Triad has been narrowed from sometime this year to sometime this summer, it was announced on the game's official blog today. Also unveiled, in addition to the homage cover artwork above, was the fact that RotT will be available simultaneously on Steam, GOG and Green Man Gaming upon launch.

In order to run it, first-person nostalgia aficionados will need a minimum of two gigs of RAM and either a Radeon HD 3870 or an NVIDIA 8800 GT, plugged into the same motherboard as a 2.4 GHz dual-core processor running Windows XP or newer. For the best experience, double the RAM, bump up to the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and drop in a Radeon HD 6950 or GeForce GTX 560.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeInterceptorinterceptor-entertainmentpcrelease-windowrise-of-the-triadsystem-requirementsWed, 29 May 2013 21:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/duke-nukem-2-hits-ios-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/duke-nukem-2-hits-ios-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/duke-nukem-2-hits-ios-next-month/#commentsDuke Nukem's two-dimensional VGA romp through the alien-ridden, distant future year of 1998 is coming to various iOS devices next month, in celebration of the game's twentieth anniversary. Originally released in 1993 for MS-DOS, Duke Nukem 2 will be available for $1.99 and will be compatible with iOS devices iPhone 4S and newer, including iPad Minis and last-generation's iPod Touch.

As seen in the trailer above, Interceptor Entertainment's iOS port uses virtual button controls to navigate Duke through the game's 32 levels. While Duke's pre-3D adventures were a little bit more Contra than they were Doom, the franchise's sense of humor had already been firmly cemented in place, much like his hairstyle.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeduke-nukemduke-nukem-2interceptor-entertainmentiosipadiphonemobileSat, 16 Mar 2013 16:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/rise-of-the-triad-60-off-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/rise-of-the-triad-60-off-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/rise-of-the-triad-60-off-on-gog/#commentsApogee's 1994 first-person shooter, Rise of the Triad: Dark War, is 60% off on GOG.com today. Those gearing up for the eventual return of the game courtesy of Interceptor Entertainment, as announced at QuakeCon this year, have until 10:59am GMT tomorrow to pick up the original game for $2.39.

The DRM-free download comes with the game's soundtrack and seven extra levels, so saving $3.60 never felt better (especially if you buy a burrito with that extra money like we will).

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeapogee-softwarepcrise-of-the-triadsaleWed, 12 Sep 2012 22:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/how-a-level-is-built-in-rise-of-the-triad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/how-a-level-is-built-in-rise-of-the-triad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/how-a-level-is-built-in-rise-of-the-triad/#commentsWe imagine this is actually how a lot of Unreal Engine 3 games are built, actually. Still, this time lapse video shows off some of the tricks that couldn't be pulled with the Wolfenstein 3D engine that ran the original Rise of the Triad. Tricks like, you know, round surfaces.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeapogee-softwareinterceptor-entertainmentpcrise-of-the-triadThu, 30 Aug 2012 04:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/unleashing-ludicrous-gibs-in-the-rise-of-the-triad-revival/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/unleashing-ludicrous-gibs-in-the-rise-of-the-triad-revival/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/unleashing-ludicrous-gibs-in-the-rise-of-the-triad-revival/#commentsBy the late 90s, Apogee Software - the legal name of 3D Realms - was a household name for hardcore PC gamers. The Texas-based studio was responsible for franchises like Duke Nukem and published some of id Software's earliest hits such as Wolfenstein 3D.

Years later that partnership continues as Apogee made its return to id's annual QuakeCon event in Dallas to announce the revival of Rise of the Triad - a cult-favorite first-person shooter released in 1995. Though its popularity never reached the same level as Doom, Rise of the Triad gained a niche fan base for its over-the-top nature. It's the kind of game that has a character named I.P. Freely; the kind of game with a gun that shoots a literal wall of flame, because why not?

Rise of the Triad's return is being developed by people with at least a little experience in modernizing old Apogee products. Developer Interceptor Entertainment was formed in 2010 to create Duke Nukem 3D: Reloaded, a fan project turned official remake that was put on hold indefinitely in late 2011. Apogee decided Interceptor could be trusted with another of its franchises and supported the development team by adding former Rise of the Triad devs and mod makers to Interceptor's squad.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeInterceptor-EntertainmentpcQuakeCon-2012rise-of-the-triadTue, 07 Aug 2012 14:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/05/rise-of-the-triads-return-will-retail-for-14-99-include-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/05/rise-of-the-triads-return-will-retail-for-14-99-include-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/05/rise-of-the-triads-return-will-retail-for-14-99-include-free/#commentsThe return of the PC classic Rise of the Triad from developer Interceptor Entertainment will be sold digitally for $14.99 and offer all post-launch DLC for free, the dev announced during QuakeCon 2012.

Marketing director Dave Oshry told Joystiq the priority was being faithful to the original Rise of the Triad in the core game, with add-on content allowing the Interceptor team to go crazy once the remake is finished.

Oshry says that co-op has been one of the most requested additions players at QuakeCon have asked for, so it's now on the minds of the developers as something to pursue in the future. Even weapons came up as a possible addition - such as shotguns, which were not featured in the 1994 original - but part of their inclusion would depend on player interest. As far as Interceptor is concerned, the sky is the limit, and the developer plans to support the game well after launch.

As if running down a checklist of oft-requested features from PC players, the game will also be DRM-free, completely moddable, run at 60 frames per second and have plenty of adjustable settings to let the game run on older hardware.

An exact release date has yet to be revealed; however, during a QuakeCon panel, the developer promised it would arrive "late this year or early next year ... at the latest, early 2013."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApogeeApogee-SoftwareInterceptor-EntertainmentpcQuakeCon-2012rise-of-the-triadSun, 05 Aug 2012 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/rise-of-the-triad-returns-to-pc-this-year-powered-by-unreal-eng/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/rise-of-the-triad-returns-to-pc-this-year-powered-by-unreal-eng/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/rise-of-the-triad-returns-to-pc-this-year-powered-by-unreal-eng/#commentsWhen it comes to the early days of first-person shooters, names like Wolfenstein 3D and Doom come up a lot. There are some, however, lucky enough to remember Rise of the Triad, a frenetic, gory and occasionally downright goofy shooter from 1994. Now, after over 15 years, Rise of the Triad is coming back, Apogee Software has announced (confirming the rumor from earlier today).

Rise of the Triad is being built on Unreal Engine 3 and is under development at Interceptor Software, which includes original ROTT level designer Joe Siegler as one of its members. The game will feature a single-player campaign, online multiplayer and a level editor that will allow players to share maps via Steamworks. And yes, it will include all of ROTT's bizarre weapons and, of course, Dog mode.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeebethesdainterceptor-entertainmentpcquakecon-2012rise-of-the-triadThu, 02 Aug 2012 15:17:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/rumor-new-rise-of-the-triad-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/rumor-new-rise-of-the-triad-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/rumor-new-rise-of-the-triad-in-the-works/#commentsA Twitter account for Apogee's 1994 first-person shooter, Rise of the Triad, has been discovered. The bio for the account reads, "The world's most ludicrous shooter has returned!" The obvious implication is that a new Rise of the Triad, or possibly a remake, is in the works.

The account follows two other Twitter users, namely Apogee Software and Interceptor Entertainment. Interceptor, as it turns out, employs one Joe Siegler, who just so happens to be a level designer from the original Rise of the Triad. As a Duke4.net forum-goer pointed out in June, Siegler's bio states that he's working on an "undisclosed project," and that spilling the beans would "require the death of the whole world 30 years later by one of his descendants." For those without incredible memories, that's a direct reference to the bad ending of Rise of the Triad.

Rise of the Triad has popped up a few times in the last couple of years, being released on iPhone in 2010, followed by developer Apogee opening a new online store in 2011 to peddle its classics, including ROTT.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeinterceptor-entertainmentrise-of-the-triadThu, 02 Aug 2012 11:49:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/apogee-opens-online-store-peddling-its-classics/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/apogee-opens-online-store-peddling-its-classics/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/apogee-opens-online-store-peddling-its-classics/#comments
Shareware pioneer Apogee Software has announced the launch of a new online store, offering a handful of Apogee's most well-known games, specifically Duke Nukem 3D, Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project, Rise of the Triad and both Blake Stone titles, all of which can be had for $5.99 each. Savvy readers may recognize that the same lineup has been available via GoG.com for some time now.

The Apogee store manages to offer a better deal though, thanks to its "Legacy Pack" which bundles all five games for $20. The bundle also includes the "Extreme Rise of the Triad" expansion and ... the Duke Nukem: Critical Mass soundtrack. Also, until June 20, the store is running a Father's Day promotion, offering the Legacy Pack for only $15. Just use the promo code "Father" during checkout.

The current slate of available games is apparently just the beginning, as Apogee plans to revisit its beginnings as a digital distributor by "providing a platform for new developers to access a global market."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeapogee-softwareDuke-NukemDuke-Nukem-3Dpcretrorise-of-the-triadFri, 17 Jun 2011 02:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/duke-nukem-critical-mass-trailer-skips-the-psp-version-for-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/duke-nukem-critical-mass-trailer-skips-the-psp-version-for-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/duke-nukem-critical-mass-trailer-skips-the-psp-version-for-good/#comments
After a mysterious quiet period (which is totally uncharacteristic for a Duke Nukem game), Deep Silver and Apogee are planning to release Duke Nukem: Critical Mass for DS this week in Europe and next month in North America. You can see it in action in the trailer after the break, and, well ... it looks like a thoroughly humiliating experience, narrated by Jon St. John.

Surprisingly, the press release accompanying the trailer says that the PSP version is coming out at the same time -- but Deep Silver informs us that it was actually canceled. So if you're in Europe and in line for Critical Mass on PSP ... go home.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeecanceleddeep-silverdsduke-nukemduke-nukem-critical-massnintendoplaystationpspsonyvideoThu, 07 Apr 2011 22:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/gog-discounts-apogee-games-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/gog-discounts-apogee-games-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/gog-discounts-apogee-games-this-weekend/#comments
Hankerin' to clobber pig cops and jetpack-toting snake dudes, but just can't find that Duke Nukem 3D disc? Save yourself some time and snap up the Atomic Edition of Duke 3D for just $2.99 on GOG.com this weekend. If that weren't enough of a deal, GOG's offering its entire Apogee catalog for 50 percent off ($15) -- if you're just interested in a couple of games, a 20 percent discount still applies to individual titles.

You might wanna hurry, though, as the discounts disappear on Monday, February 7 at 11:59PM EST. But then, we suppose you could just go back to looking for that disc, right?

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeapogee-gamesblake-stoneDuke-NukemDuke-Nukem-3DpcSat, 05 Feb 2011 11:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/wolfenstein-3d-loses-two-dimensions-becomes-wolfenstein-1d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/wolfenstein-3d-loses-two-dimensions-becomes-wolfenstein-1d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/wolfenstein-3d-loses-two-dimensions-becomes-wolfenstein-1d/#comments
Cheeky programmer/comedic mastermind Mike Lacher recently added a twist to an old classic by ... um, removing almost all of it. The game in question is Wolfenstein 3D, from which Lacher has stripped the height and depth, leaving only the meager remnants of a 1 pixel-tall line of width. The surprising part of this little project? It's still totally playable.

Check out Lacher's minimalistic mod (appropriately titled Wolfenstein 1D) over on his website. We're sure there's probably a message about the lack of real depth in the storytelling of most first person shooters, though it was totally lost on us, because we were busy having such a good time shooting things.

After Duke Nukem Forever's lengthy (and often mocked) development ended without a retail product, developer Apogee and publisher Take-Two played the blame game in court. A lawsuit, and subsequent countersuit, held serious accusations against both: Take-Two demanded compensation for lost money loaned to the developer, while Apogee claimed pressure to sell the IP for "less than their true value."

While details of the litigation aren't made clear in this court filing, it appears both companies have accepted a settlement, with all accusations "dismissed with prejudice" -- in other words, neither Take-Two nor Apogee will be able to bring this action to court again. According to the document, "each party is to bear its own portion of the costs of this litigation."

Apogee and Icarus Studios have announced a new "action comedy" game called Sam Suede in Undercover Exposure. No platforms were noted, but Icarus's past developments have all been PC-based (with the exception of Dexter on iPhone). In fact, nothing at all was said about the content of the game other than the title and a characterization as a "comedic twist on the action-adventure genre."

If the title sounds familiar, you're probably an adventure game nerd. Leisure Suit Larry creator Al Lowe was working on a game with the exact same title, which was cancelled in 2006 when developer iBase Entertainment shut down. The fact that a new company has announced that it will complete the title should be encouraging to Lowe fans -- but the fact that the legendary Sierra game designer's name is mentioned nowhere in the announcement is probably not so encouraging.

Update: Al Lowe told Big Download that "This is the first I've heard of it," wondering "who's going to finish the design and add the humor?"

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-comedyal-loweapogeeicarus-studiossam-suedesam-suede-in-undercover-exposurexscapeWed, 03 Mar 2010 11:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/iphone-rise-of-the-triad-getting-free-add-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/iphone-rise-of-the-triad-getting-free-add-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/iphone-rise-of-the-triad-getting-free-add-on/#comments Apparently "early 2010" meant "right now," as it looks like Apogee's Wolfenstein pseudo-sequel Rise of the Triad is already available for the iPhone. To mark the release, Apogee has announced that developer Mobilia Interactive plans to deliver a free update to the game entitled Extreme Rise of the Triad. The update will include 40 new maps containing "deviously different tricks, traps and treachery not seen in the original Triad."

Not bad, especially considering the update is free. Check out a new trailer above, which includes some snippets of both the game's God Mode and the far superior Dog Mode.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeAppledlcfpsiPodmobilia-interactiveretrorise-of-the-triadrottTue, 16 Feb 2010 01:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/apogees-rise-of-the-triad-getting-ludicrous-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/apogees-rise-of-the-triad-getting-ludicrous-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/apogees-rise-of-the-triad-getting-ludicrous-on-iphone/#comments
Apogee -- it's not dead yet! -- has announced that its cult classic first-person shooter, Rise of the Triad, is on its way to the iPhone OS. The game is being ported to the platform by Mobilia Interactive, which has produced a number of previous iPhone titles as well. The port actually surfaced over the summer last year, though it's now clear that the company has been given Apogee's blessing to sell the app. The game will work on every iPhone OS platform, including the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad. Expect to see it hit the App Store in "early 2010."

Check out a video of the game in action after the break. Tender viewers beware: The video contains ludicrous gibs.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeApplefpsiPodmobilia-interactiverise-of-the-triadMon, 08 Feb 2010 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/leaked-duke-nukem-forever-footage-tugs-at-familiar-heartstrings/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/leaked-duke-nukem-forever-footage-tugs-at-familiar-heartstrings/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/leaked-duke-nukem-forever-footage-tugs-at-familiar-heartstrings/#comments
They say time heals all wounds. Then why does it still hurt to think about Duke Nukem Forever? Even its apparent demise failed to bring closure to the big hole in our heart. And now this: new gameplay footage?

The latest video remains to be found (resting -- in one piece -- after the break) seem unmistakably to be those of our beloved Duke. Maybe it's the familiar dark, underground environments we've gotten to know in other gameplay videos -- like the Jace Hall Show clip and that leaked animator's video -- that send chills down our spine. Or maybe it's just Duke himself, still out of bubble gum and still kicking ass. (Yeah, it's probably that.)

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeduke-nukemduke-nukem-forevervideoWed, 03 Feb 2010 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/duke-nukem-fan-film-trailer-to-satisfy-fans-starved-for-duke-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/duke-nukem-fan-film-trailer-to-satisfy-fans-starved-for-duke-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/duke-nukem-fan-film-trailer-to-satisfy-fans-starved-for-duke-con/#commentsOkay, what are the odds this Duke Nukem fan film, by Finnish studio HMC, is actually going to be released? Sure, this movie may not actually be developed by 3D Realms -- but neither are those DS and PSP games, and those aren't out yet either. It seems that Duke Nukem may just be cursed.

Which is a shame, because this trailer (after the break) is entertaining in the same way a real Duke game is. It's got a girl and a monster and a cigar-chomping jerk who shoots the monster whilst spouting one-liners. We hope this thing continues production -- and we hope the producers find a voice actor for the title character.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeduke-nukemduke-nukem-foreverduke-nukem-trilogyfan-filmfanfictionhmcMon, 04 Jan 2010 22:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/duke-begins-developer-revealed-to-be-gearbox-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/duke-begins-developer-revealed-to-be-gearbox-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/duke-begins-developer-revealed-to-be-gearbox-software/#comments
Shacknews reports that the developer of Duke Begins -- the Duke Nukem prequel project being developed not by 3D Realms, but rather by publisher Take-Two and a "well-known videogame developer" -- was, in fact, Gearbox Software. If that name sounds familiar that's because - like coffee shops and mysterious rashes - the Texas-based developer pops up all over the place, whether in reference to the long-overdue Aliens: Colonial Marines; the recently re-skinned Borderlands; or the oft-rumored Halo 4.

As revealed by recent court documents, Gearbox was brought on to develop Duke Begins following a 2007 agreement between 3D Realms and Take-Two. In exchange for the rights to make another Duke game, 3D Realms received a cool $2.5 million advance to help fund the ongoing development of Duke Nukem Forever (and, in turn, extend the practice of wondering aloud, "How on Earth can 3D Realms afford to keep making this game?").

3D Realms claims that the "halted" development of Duke Begins in April 2009 "materially harmed Apogee and/or will necessarily delay the commercial release of the Duke Begins game." They claimed that any such delay in release would "delay any royalty payments ... from sales of the Duke Begins game and prevent Apogee from being able to repay the [$2.5 million] advance when it becomes due in 2012." And now you begin to see where all this talk of lawsuits came from. We've put word into Gearbox and Take-Two and will let you know what we hear.

This news came in response to last month's Take-Two court filing against Duke Nukem Forever developer Apogee Software, which attempted to recoup loans the publisher had distributed to Apogee -- loans which would have ostensibly been repaid by DNF royalties. Apogee's attorneys responded Friday with a shocking revelation -- in exchange for their support, Apogee gave Take-Two the rights to simultaneously develop another Duke Nukem game. Take-Two tasked 2K Games with said development under the working title Duke Begins.

Apogee's defense states that 2K "halted or otherwise canceled all development work by the third-party game developer on the Duke Begins game in April 2009," an action Apogee sees as Take-Two's attempt at, "pressuring Apogee to sell the Duke Nukem franchise rights to Take-Two for less than their true value." With the cat officially out of the bag, we expect to hear more about the Duke's origin story (like, if it's still being developed) in the near future.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesapogeecourtduke-beginsduke-nukemduke-nukem-foreverfpstake-twoMon, 22 Jun 2009 11:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/id-software-rep-saddened-by-death-of-duke-nukem-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/id-software-rep-saddened-by-death-of-duke-nukem-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/id-software-rep-saddened-by-death-of-duke-nukem-forever/#commentsIf you think id Software would gloat openly about the cancellation of its one-time competitor, Duke Nukem Forever, you may be surprised to hear the reaction of Steve Nix, director of business development for id:

"For me it was personally sad," he told Videogamer. "I know a lot of people at the studio were really surprised and saddened for sure." He went on to explain the historical connection between the two companies: "We had originally moved to Dallas because Apogee, who morphed into 3D Realms, was our original publisher. So id might not even be in Dallas and a lot of us wouldn't even be working in the games industry if it wasn't for Apogee and 3D Realms."

Nix said that he "thought (the news of the cancellation) was a joke when I heard the other day." He also noted that id is currently hiring, and that "There are some really talented guys in (3D Realms) so it very well could happen that some of them end up at id." Overall, it's a pretty measured and sensitive response from the company who popularized "gibs."

Jace Hall, Monolith Productions founder turned web show host and TV/film producer, has gone back through his archives to dig up a minute-and-a-half of previously unseen Duke Nukem Forevergameplay footage. Hall first offered a glimpse at the game in action last June on Crackle.com's aptly-titled Jace Hall Show. The new clip, found at the 7:37 mark of the show's latest episode, features an uncharacteristically silent Duke killing enemies whilst dodging giant, rolling boulders. (And, unfortunately for our friends up North, isn't viewable in Canada.)

Now that Hall has bid DNF a fond semi-farewell (after all, it could return!) he can focus his attention on ABC's upcoming reimagining of V, on which he serves as executive producer.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeduke-nukemduke-nukem-foreverjace-halljace-hall-showvideoThu, 11 Jun 2009 19:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/3d-realms-store-to-get-overhaul-remastered-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/3d-realms-store-to-get-overhaul-remastered-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/3d-realms-store-to-get-overhaul-remastered-games/#comments
Over at the 3D Realms forums, former employee Joe Siegler has revealed that the company's game store is set to receive a major overhaul. More importantly, Siegler says that he spent his last days at 3D Realms remastering all the games available. This includes packaging all the games with DOSbox (a DOS emulation program for older titles) and making formerly CD-only games available as downloadable titles. Unfortunately, the release date for the remastered catalog is still unknown, but Siegler advises gamers to hold off purchasing any titles until the overhaul takes place, which would imply that it will happen relatively soon.

So, if you've got a hankering for some Shadow Warrior, Terminal Velocity or Commander Keen, have patience. Check out a list of all the games that will be available after the break. Read it closely, because 3D Realms could really use your money.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeThu, 28 May 2009 01:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/gog-sale-isnt-forever-classic-duke-nukem-bundle-discounted/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/gog-sale-isnt-forever-classic-duke-nukem-bundle-discounted/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/gog-sale-isnt-forever-classic-duke-nukem-bundle-discounted/#comments
It may be a while until you get your grubby paws on Duke Nukem's latest adventure (if ever), but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to enjoy some irrelevant '90s humor from the silver-tongued action star.

Until the end of the day on June 1, Good Old Games is selling both Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition and Duke Nukem Manhattan Project for 25 percent off -- bundled for $8.98. If you've already purchased one of the discounted titles prior to this promotion, GOG is offering a discount on the second title ($1.50 off for $4.49). Time to kick ass, chew bubble gum and remember Duke had a pretty good history.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeapogee-softwarebargainsduke-nukemgoggood-old-gamespsasaleMon, 25 May 2009 22:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/16/apogee-and-deep-silver-want-your-best-duke-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/16/apogee-and-deep-silver-want-your-best-duke-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/16/apogee-and-deep-silver-want-your-best-duke-impressions/#comments Tired of hearing about Duke Nukem these past couple of weeks? In all honesty, we're becoming a bit weary of writing about him, but we really couldn't pass this one up. Apparently the folks behind the Duke Nukem Trilogy are looking for a few good actors to do their best Duke impressions and maybe get a chance to "travel around the world representing Deep Silver and Apogee Software, LLC as the new 'official' Duke Nukem."

We might not have informed you about the contest had the already existing contestant videos not convinced us otherwise. Women playing Duke? Yep. People who speak English only sometimes playing Duke? You bet! Hilarious? In an American Idol blooper, catching some serious wahjah kind of way. If you're so inclined to enter yourself (though we're wary to encourage that), all you have to do is capture your best Duke impressions on tape and head over to the contest website for entry instructions. We're going out on a limb and suggesting you don't impersonate what Duke does to bosses after taking them out in your entry. We'll leave it at that.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeapogee-softwarecontestdeep-silverDSduke-is-backduke-nukemNintendowahjahSat, 16 May 2009 20:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/forever-gate-take-two-demands-duke-nukem-forever-source-code-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/forever-gate-take-two-demands-duke-nukem-forever-source-code-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/forever-gate-take-two-demands-duke-nukem-forever-source-code-in/#comments
If the development of Duke Nukem Forever was a troubled marriage, welcome to the nasty, drawn-out divorce.

Shacknews reports that court documents it obtained from the case of Take-Two Interactive vs. Apogee Software have the former demanding, well, custody of the unfinished game's source code. It also seeks to prevent Apogee from "disclosing, distributing, transferring or selling to any party other than Take-Two any proprietary information related to DNF." In short, Take-Two wants what it claims it paid for, and wants it now.

3D Realms co-founder, Scott Miller, wrote in a comment on Shacknews that the DNF developer "never saw a penny of that money," referring to the $12 million Take-Two says it paid Apogee for publishing rights to the game in 2000.

If there's anything positive to be taken away from this litigation situation, it's that Take-Two evidently plans on ensuring a return on its investment in DNF -- possibly to the extent of taking all the game's assets and continuing its development elsewhere.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeapogee-softwarebusinessduke-nukemduke-nukem-foreverlawsuittake-twoFri, 15 May 2009 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/take-two-suing-apogee-over-unfinished-duke-nukem-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/take-two-suing-apogee-over-unfinished-duke-nukem-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/take-two-suing-apogee-over-unfinished-duke-nukem-forever/#comments
The game may never be released, but its legacy may live on forever. Duke Nukem Forever, which 3D Realms was supposedly working on from 1997 right up until it closed its doors on May 6, is at the center of a lawsuit filed by its would-be publisher, Take-Two Interactive. But who's leftto sue? The still-operating Apogee Software, which created the 3D Realms brand in 1994.

According to Bloomberg News, Take-Two alleges in a lawsuit filed May 13 that Apogee "continually delayed the completion date for the Duke Nukem Forever" and "repeatedly assured Take-Two and the video-gaming community that it was diligently working toward competing (sic) development of the PC Version of the Duke Nukem Forever." The suit states that Take-Two paid Apogee a sum of $12 million for the publishing rights tothe game. The partnership was extended as recently as 2007, according to details of the case.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeduke-nukemduke-nukem-forevertake-twoFri, 15 May 2009 01:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/rumor-duke-nukem-dev-3d-realms-shut-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/rumor-duke-nukem-dev-3d-realms-shut-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/rumor-duke-nukem-dev-3d-realms-shut-down/#commentsDuke Nukem developer 3D Realms has closed its doors, according to Shacknews. The developer was reportedly forced to cease operations due to funding issues, prompting it and Apogee Software Inc. to lay off all staff. Perhaps developing one title for more than a decade wasn't a great strategy.

3D Realms was founded by George Broussard and Scott Miller in 1987, but became a household name with Duke Nukem 3D in 1996. While 3D Realms is also known for publishing high profile titles, such as Max Payne, the studio has become famous for developing Duke Nukem Forever for the last 13 years. Joystiq has reached out to 3D Realms and its publishing partner, Take-Two Interactive, for comment.

Update: A studio representative has commented on the rumor regarding 3D Realms. Although it isn't a confirmation, it does hint a situation is brewing at the house that built Duke: "Deep Silver and Apogee Software are not affected by the situation at 3D Realms. Development on the Duke Nukem Trilogy is continuing as planned."

Update 2: Alan Lewis, Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs for Take-Two Interactive has sent us an official statement regarding the situation at 3D Realms: "It is the Company's policy to not comment on its contractual relationships, nor do we comment on rumors and speculation. That said, we can confirm that our relationship with 3D Realms for Duke Nukem Forever was a publishing arrangement, which did not include ongoing funds for development of the title. In addition, Take-Two continues to retain the publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever."‪

Update 3: 3D Realms webmaster Joe Siegler has confirmed rumors of a 3D Realms shut down are true, posting "It's not a marketing thing. It's true. I have nothing further to say at this time" on the 3D Realms official forum.

Update 4:3DRealms.com and the site's official forum are experiencing issues at this time due to the volume of visitors. The sites have not been removed at this time.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeebusinessclosedduke-nukem-foreverlayoffsrumorWed, 06 May 2009 20:25:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc-09-urinal-ads-theyre-so-hot-right-now-urinal-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc-09-urinal-ads-theyre-so-hot-right-now-urinal-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc-09-urinal-ads-theyre-so-hot-right-now-urinal-ads/#comments
As we can scientifically demonstrate, urinal advertisements are the new hidden severed limbs -- which were already the new sacrificed goats. Now, thanks to Duke Nukem, we have another opportunity to feed the beast, spotted in the GDC bathroom.

So, yeah, it's not exactly pleasant. But you people say you want the "full GDC experience" and this is the kind of thing that happens. We're sorry. Check it out after the jump.

As OhGizmo! explains, Duke Nukem Trilogy features three games, which have the same stories, but are presented in a different style on DS than on PSP. The PSP versions are M-rated, with content that will be "tasteful, but it'll still be Duke." The DS versions will be T-rated, and thus toned down a bit in terms of dialogue and gratuitous strippers.

The best part? The first game, Duke Nukem: Critical Mass, was actually there! There was a demonstration on both PSP and DS. Try that, Duke Nukem Forever. Try being playable on a game system.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeedeep-silverDSduke-nukem-critical-massduke-nukem-trilogygdc-2009NintendoshooterWed, 25 Mar 2009 10:40:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/gog-in-the-machine-duke-nukem-3d-more-apogee-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/gog-in-the-machine-duke-nukem-3d-more-apogee-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/gog-in-the-machine-duke-nukem-3d-more-apogee-on-the-way/#comments
Week after week, Good Old Games bring us a bountiful list of memories from our childhood. This week the company's bringing not just Duke Nukem 3D for $5.99, but the announcement that Apogee Software has agreed to distribute through GOG's digital distribution platform. (Wait, does that mean Commander Keen as well?!)

From what GOG has confirmed with us, Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project,Blake Stone: Aliens of Gold, Blake Stone: Planet Strike, and Rise of the Triad: Dark War are all in the queue for "the upcoming weeks." (So, no Commander Keen then, eh?) If you'd like a refresher on how hilarious and ridiculoushilarculous the Duke can be, check out the modern-classic Duke Nukem Trilogy trailer from last year's E3 after the break.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeapogee-softwareCapitalism-2commander-keendigital-distributiondlcduke-nukemduke-nukem-3dduke-nukem-trilogyGOG.comgood-old-gamespcspellforceFri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/apogee-updates-on-duke-nukem-trilogy-progress/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/apogee-updates-on-duke-nukem-trilogy-progress/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/apogee-updates-on-duke-nukem-trilogy-progress/#comments
Apogee has responded on their official forums to requests for more info on the upcoming Duke Nukem handheld trilogy. Yes, it seems the games really do exist. We're as surprised as you are. An Apogee representative says that "both the DS and PSP versions of the game are coming along nicely." Adding that "on the PSP, they say the depth of view is the best they have seen to date for that device." So while we're still not sure how the game will play, at least we can be safe in the knowledge that the depth of view will be second to none.

Apogee concludes by saying that "we are also including some cool bonus game play features that we haven't spoken about that we feel will enhance the overall way the game is played. That's all we can say for now, other than stay tuned, more info in greater detail is on the way!" We're intrigued to learn more, if only because we've almost forgotten what it's like for a Duke Nukem game to actually see the light of day. Check out the awesome E3 trailer after the break.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeduke-nukemduke-nukem-trilogyThu, 15 Jan 2009 13:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/its-burgertime-to-kick-ass/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/its-burgertime-to-kick-ass/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/its-burgertime-to-kick-ass/#commentsThe Duke Nukem Trilogy trailer handily won E3 with its intoxicating combination of flying logos, stock images of dudes in gas masks, and slow-motion crotch closeups. Now Data East's arcade classic Burgertime has been given the same expert treatment. Peter Pepper's struggle to make giant hamburgers with his feet while being assaulted by sentient food has never looked so badass.

Unlike Duke Nukem Trilogy, we have reason to believe that Burgertime will actually come out (the reason being that it was already released hundreds of times), which makes it that much easier to get hyped.

Despite the ... unique trailer featuring logos dancing around, Apogee insists they won't screw up the ultimate badass' return in the upcoming Duke Nukem Trilogy games. Terry Nagy, CEO of Apogee Software, gave some details about the newest outing of the Duke on the PSP. He started off by stressing immediately that the game will be out for summer 2009, unlike a certain other Duke Nukem game.

With the trilogy, Apogee's plan is to have "another Duke game ... on the store shelves as the first one is starting to fall off the shelves." The first game Critical Mass will take place in the future, so the player will have "really cool futuristic weapons" at his disposal. Chain Reaction is set in current times while Proving Ground has Duke traveling back into the past to 1945 as "the Forrest Gump of World War II" and using "period-style weapons." Finally, Nagy reveals that the PSP version is "more mature, more hardcore of gamer, third-person, first-person, top-down scroller type of stuff" and that it is aiming for a Mature rating, as opposed to a Teen rating on the DS.

We aren't too optimistic about this game, but then again we've seen basically nothing. Either way, we would avoid the DS version, not because we are fanboys at all, but because Duke himself would never be caught dead playing a Teen game.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeechain-reactioncritical-massduke-nukem-trilogyproving-groundFri, 18 Jul 2008 16:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-what-an-awful-awful-duke-nukem-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-what-an-awful-awful-duke-nukem-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-what-an-awful-awful-duke-nukem-trailer/#comments
So ... huh? After sitting through the above four minutes of explosions, nuclear symbols and flashing lights, we have learned nothing about the upcoming Duke Nukem Trilogy for the DS. Quite frankly, this isnt the kind of trailer you want to show at E3, when countless other videos opt to show gameplay footage and new details. Also, four minutes long? Sure, there's a bit of metal rocking out there, but wouldn't we rather watch a music video instead of the words Critical Mass and Proving Grounds blasting all over the screen? You bet.

The rest of the Fanboy team thinks this irritable blogger is missing the joke of the (clearly satirical) trailer. They are probably right.

E3 had some pretty cool trailers this year, but Duke Nukem Trilogy's definitely has to be our favorite. We went in hoping for a little bit of gameplay footage. Something to give an indication of what the game will actually look or play like, perhaps? Instead we sat through four minutes of the worst best trailer ever created. To be fair, we're going to be watching this trailer over and over for the rest of our lives. Whether the games actually come out or not, we're entertained. Enjoy the trailer!

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeeduke-nukemduke-nukem-trilogyThu, 17 Jul 2008 06:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/duke-nukem-trilogy-announced-for-handhelds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/duke-nukem-trilogy-announced-for-handhelds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/duke-nukem-trilogy-announced-for-handhelds/#comments
Apogee Software has inked a deal with developers 3D Realms and MachineWorks Northwest LLC to publish a new Duke Nukem title called Duke Nukem Trilogy. The new game is set for handhelds and will include three new missions: Critical Mass, Chain Reaction, and Proving Grounds.

Apogee's website reveals a little more info on the game, including a multiplayer mode. The game is currently scheduled for a Summer 2009 release.